The Driving Miss Daisy service provides transportation and companion driving services for the elderly, children, disabled and for anyone who is unable to drive from A to B. This enables users to get out, have fun, and add some independence into their everyday living. The special service also provides assistance in and out of the car, going to appointments, shopping and company on outings. Special needs are catered for including assistance with a walker or wheelchair. The users can book these services via email, Facebook or phone call.

Category: Other

Telephone Line: +44 333 014 6211

Main function: Other

What is the main sub-function of the service/product: Companion driving service

Target group(s): People with disabilities, older people and children

Countries/cities of operation: New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom

Technologies needed to use the service:

  • Mobile phone or tablet (without internet connection) for phone calls
  • Laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone with internet connection for Facebook or email contact

Is there a non-digital way to use this service or product? Yes, Driving Miss Daisy can be reached telephonically.

Why is this a good example?

Reason(s) Supports independence and safety for vulnerable groups – elderly, children and people with disabilities
More details The service offers companionship and assisted transportation by licenced, trained and qualified companion drivers. The drivers are police checked and First-Aid qualified. With the service people with disabilities, elderly and children are empowered to get out and about with a trained professional ensuring their safety. This allows for a stress-free and personalized door-to-door transport experience getting users anywhere they want at any time they want.
Tags Specific user groups-Older people; Specific user groups-People with disabilities, Specific user groups-Women

Reason(s) Booking via non-digital ways (accessibility for non-digital natives)
More details Users can book the service via phone. This enables elderly people who are not digitally savvy to have access to the service and further supports use of the service by people with low incomes who are not able to afford internet access.
Tags Caters for low technology users

Reason(s) Offers vehicles catering the needs of elderly and people with disabilities
More details A range of vehicles are offered. As well as standard cars, the service offers vehicles with higher seating and swing out front seats to make entry and exit much easier. There are also wheelchair adapted vehicles. The drivers provide assistance going in and out of the car.
Tags Specific user groups-Older people; Specific user groups-People with disabilities

If you would like to know more about why this product is part of this catalogue or what aspects of this example are specifically appropriate, click here to view the full DIGNITY Interactive Catalogue, which contains further information.

Categories: Digital companion driving service
Tags: Caters for low technology users, Specific user groups